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»28 satisfied guests can't be wrong,« went through my mind while , in search of a suitable housing for our visit to Edinburgh, I was reading enthusiastic comments about Ann McDonald, the landlady of »Come Ben the Hoose«. And sure enough, Ann has proved to be a perfect hostess whose high priority is to make her guests feel at home. The first sign of warm hospitality was the welcome pack, well assembled little food assortment that was more than useful as we didn't have time for grocery shopping , having arrived late in the evening. Bread, toast, butter, jam, milk, cheese, ham, ginger cake and a bottle of good wine were like a balm to our tired bodies after the all-day trip. Besides, Ann offered us a helping hand throughout our stay for every little thing we needed.LODGINGSThe apartment is small but functionally and neatly arranged. It is ideal for putting up 3 people, an additional fold-up bed can be added for a fourth person but that makes the smaller bedroom somewhat crammed. Beds are very comfortable, we slept like lambs.The bathroom is on the small side as well but it lacks nothing essential; only the washbasin is slightly undersized. When taking a shower you might have difficulties turning on the smooth faucet handles. Some practice beforehand is advisable. The mini kitchen is well equipped. The well-stocked cupboard with basic food supplies was a nice surprise: spices and herbs, sugar, coffee, tea, jam, cereal – perfect. Cutlery, plates, glasses – neat and practical. There were sufficient pots and pans for even more demanding culinary exploits. If I wanted to split hairs I would suggest adding one bigger well-sharpened knife, a larger strainer and a cheese grater. The oven is less efficient than average ovens, you have to reserve some more time for baking.LOCATIONAnn's house is situated about 5 km from the city centre and all the main sights of Edinburgh. Bus connections are frequent but you can take a lovely walk to the city through Holyrood Park instead. While at it, you can climb the mandatory Arthur's Seat. However, I would recommend that you choose a specially beautiful day for the latter and set out on a bright morning with some lunch in your bagpack to reach the sightseeing point offering you a spectacular view on Edinburgh and its surroundings. Portobello and the beach are 15 minutes walking distance, Figgate Park with a wide pond in the immediate vicinity of the house is an ideal destination for a relaxing morning walk. There is a small store for urgent shopping round the corner and the first Morrison's supermarket within 15 min walk.The neighbourhood is unbelievably quiet, in six days of our stay the occasional screech of seagulls from a distance was the loudest noise we have heard.For a very reasonable price (no extra charge for late arrival or heating, no cleaning fee) we received a lot. Edinburgh is a fascinating city, Ann a splendid hostess, Scotland is beautiful and its people very friendly. We can't wait to return. Andrej

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Liked best:welcome pack great host

Liked least:we miss some things in the kitchen

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

People with disabilities

Older travelers

Families with young children

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

15 May 2016

Thank you for your review and suggestions for the kitchen equipment and the wash basin. I will put them to do list for when I have a quiet time. I always inform guest about the 4th bed taken up the floor space in the single bedroom and it is up to them if they will be happy with it.It was lovely having you and your family staying and will look forward to you your return visit. Haste ye back, Ann. (Auld Scott's Hurry back)

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We loved this little house - very comfortable and warm - and an excellent base for our visit to see friends and relatives in Edinburgh and nearby. Welcome pack was excellent. Ann was very helpful when we had a query about wifi - nothing was too much trouble for her.

We plan to return on our next trip north.

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Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

Your age range65+

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Older travelers

Families with young children

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

12 May 2016

Thank you Pat, it was lovely having you both staying at Come Ben the Hoose. It was team work with the Wi-Fi. I look forward see you on your next visit to Edinburgh and Scotland.Ann

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We were warmly welcomed by the kind landlady Ann, although it was rather late in the evening. The house is small but neat, very well equipped and practically furnished. The tiny kitchen is astonishingly practical and functional. There was a welcome pack waiting for us and there were basic groceries (sugar, salt, spices, pasta, milk, fruits etc.) in the cupboards and in the fridge so we could start cooking on the spot. Many other little details made us feel at home right away (flowers, books on the shelves, toys for children etc.). We were four adults but we could function surprisingly well in the little house. The smaller bedroom was a bit crowded though if the second bed was added. The location is a good combination of a quiet neighbourhood at the foot of Arthur's Seat, near Duddingston Gardens, a walking distance to the beach and still close enough to the centre of Edinburgh. What we liked best is the friendliness and discreet helpfulness. We didn't really dislike anything - if the location were a little closer to the centre that would be ideal but almost too good to be true...

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

12 May 2016

Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts on your stay at Come Ben the Hoose and Edinburgh. You are a lovely family and it was great having you stay for your family wedding. I hope you may come back again at some time and you can try some of our other surrounding hills. Best wishes for 2016 Ann and Gordon

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My friends and I stayed at Come Ben the Hoose while visiting a friend in Edinburgh over the holidays. Ann was a truly spectacular host! She took excellent care of us from the moment that we arrived, with a lovely welcome basket and plenty of helpful information to get around town. She really went above and beyond. The house itself was incredibly clean and comfortable and the location was very convenient -- a quick bus ride into downtown Edinburgh and all the sites. My friends and I would definitely stay here again!

Travelling group:Friends

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

12 May 2016

Hi Lisa, Sabrina and Jennifer I am sorry it has taken this long to reply to your lovely review I can't believe it is May already. I am so pleased that you choose to bring in the New Year at Come Ben the Hoose and in Edinburgh. I wish you all a Fabulous 2016. Ann and Gordon

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

A perfect location for those looking to explore Edinburgh and it's surroundings! A very cosy stay with a very welcoming host who was always available to point us to the nearest landmark. We loved coming back to the little cottage after a busy day out exploring! Thank you for your hospitality!

How easy was it to book the property?

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How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

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Liked best:Location

Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Older travelers

Families with young children

People with pets

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was your security deposit returned on time?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

12 May 2016

Thank you for choosing to stay at Come Ben the Hoose, it was great having you. I hope to see you again. I am sorry it has taken this long to reply to you. Best wishes to you both Ann and Gordon

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC